Assuming HOLY HELENA, the 2017 Queen’s Plate winner, is able to handle turf nearly as well as she did synthetics, it sure looks like Jimmy Jerkens found the perfect comeback spot at Gulfstream for the Adena star: a three-other-than condition, a short field, and a suitable setup vs. questionable opposition; not expecting the 2-1 as promised on the morning line, but still, it seems like a good jumping-on spot to get into the middle pick four.

I’ll single Holy Helena (3) in race 5 to start off a caveman play that further unfolds like this:

A pick-three sequence at Santa Anita on Saturday looks as if it could pay well. I can understand if anyone would rather take a shot at the late pick four, but considering the race leading into the finale, I’m more inclined to press my opinions and hope for the best. Below is my pick-three play consisting of races 6-8.

Race 2:
Wushu Warrior (#5)

Was facing a much stronger field in his debut against maiden special weight company.

Was racing one path off the rail last time on a day when you wanted to stay on the inside path.

Gets a positive rider switch to Trevor McCarthy.

5-2 on ML

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Santa Anita | Race 5 | Post Time 2:30 p.m. (PT) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs

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With three stakes closing out the card at Gulfstream on Saturday, the late Pick 3 holds appeal, particularly with a contentious renewal of the Holy Bull as the final leg in the sequence. Here are my thoughts and my DRF TicketMaker wagering strategy.

Race 10

The first leg begins with the Forward Gal, a Grade 3 race at seven eighths on the main track. My top choice is three-time stakes winner Take Charge Paula (4), a recent acquisition by owner Peter Deutsch, who turns her over to new trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.

Aqueduct | Race 7 | Post Time 3:58 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs

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With the scratch of favorite Pioneer Spirit, this becomes a two-horse race between Harlan Punch and Classy Class.

Aqueduct | Race 8 | Post Time 4:35 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs

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With Fair Grounds cancelling because of serious rain, we were left with two Pix last week—and both came through. At Tampa Bay Downs, our top choice, Humorous Song, did not do well, but our two gimmick plays finished second (Sugar Bow) and fourth (Battle Back Curly) for a $125 exacta, $876 trifecta and $4,910, if you were so inclined and played them right. At Santa Anita, our “nice gimmick play,” Karmic Affinity, lived up to her name by coming in second to complete a $96 exacta with the favorite.

Race 5:
Nominal Dollars (#1)

His main rival, Iron Power, is a little suspicious dropping in class so dramatically.

Was against a gold rail last time when racing three wide throughout.

Should appreciate the return to a one-turn mile, which is a better distance for him.

5-2 on ML

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Gulfstream Park | Race 12 | Post Time 5:49 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs

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